The "Dialup" chart presents information about straight-forward "simple" (asynchronous) dialup, the `lowest common denominator' method of connection: dialup at any old speed with any old sort of modem with any old sort of microcomputer. Such a method is well suited to an individual using a microcomputer that is not permanently connected to some sort of in-house network or other larger computer.
Other, more complex, computer or workplace environments are often better served by different connection methods. These methods are considerably more complex to establish and maintain than simple dialup. Suppliers often take the responsibility for establishing such connections because of their technical complexity.
Users of high speed modems might wish to implement SLIP or PPP connections, particularly if many large file transfers are being contemplated.
Users with mail service on Local Area Networks (cc:mail or QuickMail, e.g.) might want gateways between their local mail service and Internet mail. Users of Unix machines may wish to establish UUCP mail service; PC and Mac users can also obtain UUCP look-alike software to run on their machines.
Institutions making heavy use of the Internet might wish to have their Internet supplier reserve a phone number for their exclusive use or might wish a dedicated, leased line running at 9.6, 14.4, 56, 256, or 1,544 (T1) Kb. A variety of analog and digital circuits are supported by the various suppliers.
The following chart exhibits the service offerings of companies serving California. No attempt has to been made to comprehensively indicate pricing, for several reasons. First, the monthly circuit cost can be a very substantial portion of the overall cost. Circuit costs of leased lines are distance-sensitive. Second, the offerings of the various suppliers often are not exactly comparable; one supplier's monthly charge may include rental of a router, modem, and CSU/DSU while another supplier assumes the customer will supply these items. One supplier may provide dialup service nationally as an adjunct to the leased line service, another may not. Variable, as well, is the assistance and responsibility the various suppliers will take for installing the service, whether training is offered, whether fees are to be paid monthly or annually, etc.
To give some idea of charges involved, the following may be helpful:
CERFnet, for example, offers leased line service at 14.4, 56, and 1,544 Kb; setup fees for these services are $1,500, $2,500, and $3,750 respectively while monthly fees are $700, $1,300 and $1,675 respectively; these fees include installation and rental of the requisite equipment but not the monthly circuit cost.
PSI's CCS service, with no setup fees, offers 19.2, 56, and 1,544 Kb service annually for $10,500, $19,500, and $49,000 plus monthly circuit costs; equipment at the library's end is supplied by the library. 56Kb Frame Relay service is offered at $650 per month plus a setup fee of $600.
ISI Net work Associates has a setup fee of $2,000 for 56KB, $4,000 for T1 service. Both services have an annual fee of $5,000. The library pays for circuit costs and equipment at its end.
UUNet/Alternet has a setup fee of $2,000 for either 19.2 or 56 Kb service, $5,000 for T1. Monthly charges, in order of increasing speed, are $500, $1,000, and $2,000. To these fees must be added the cost of the circuit and equipment at the library's end.
In the cells below, L stands for leased line, D for dialup. Blank cells indicate uncertainty about a supplier's offering. The column marked "Lan & Router Connections" indicates the suppliers' ability or willingness to attach to such a connection, not necessarily that they will aid, assist, or accomplish its establishment. The column marked "Consult and Install Services" reflects suppliers' willingness and readiness, as determined from their literature, to advise their customers on what equipment to obtain, to install and configure the equipment, to establish domain names, to order phone circuits, and the like. It was often difficult to determine how much assistance the various suppliers are willing to afford and whether consulting is strictly limited to advising, e.g., which brand and model router you should buy. Sometimes consulting and installation are part of the setup price, sometimes they are additional services. Note that BARRnet offers a broad range of data communications consulting services, extending well beyond Internet connectivity.
This study is produced by CLASS, the Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services. CLASS was established in 1976 as a Joint Exercise of Powers Agency by the California State Library, the University of California, the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the City of Los Angeles, and the County of Santa Clara.
CLASS is a membership-based self-supporting public agency formed for the purpose of library cooperation. CLASS acts as a service broker to its worldwide membership of libraries and information agencies, both public and private.
These documents on Internet Access Providers for California Libraries are part of a larger project: Internet: Planning and Training for California Libraries , a project supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education under the provisions of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), administered in California by the State Librarian. Please note, however, that the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the positions or policy of the U.S. Dept. of Education or the California State Library, and no official endorsement by either should be inferred. CLASS cannot take responsibility for any errors or omissions.
